HARLINGEN — They’ve done it.
After years of work, the teachers, administrators and students at Dishman Elementary have made the school the best in the district.
“Dishman has been prescriptive and strategic to meet student needs and to ensure their academic success,” said Principal Irma Davis.
Dishman is one of 24 schools in Texas recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Mercedes Early College Academy was also named a “Blue Ribbon School” and Principal Jeanne Venecia couldn’t be more delighted.
“It’s just an awesome award for our students and our staff,” she said. “I think the reason they chose us is because we have shown progress. We kept our scores up and continued toward our educational goals.”
The school, she said, works diligently to offer college courses to its students.
“We are in partnership with South Texas College for our dual enrollment,” she said. “They offer dual enrollment for our students.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos delivered a video message to all honorees across the country.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” she said. “Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content, said a statement.
Davis said when she became principal several years ago the school had some areas in need of improvement.
“We committed ourselves that Dishman would get to number one,” she said. “We also committed ourselves to putting Dishman on the map.”
And how did they do that?
“We teach our children, we don’t teach to a test, we teach and instruct children to their needs,” she said.
Texas schools recognized with National Blue Ribbon Award
School Name City
A.W. Jackson Elementary School Rosenberg
Anne L. Magee Elementary School Edinburg
Arrow Academy Liberation Charter School Meadows Place
Carmen Anaya Elementary School Pharr
Cesar Chavez Elementary School Pharr
Challenge Early College High School Houston
Dishman Elementary School Combes
East Early College High School Houston
Golden Rule Sunnyside Campus Cockrell Hill
Hargill Elementary School Edinburg
IDEA Mission Academy Mission
J.C. Kelly Elementary School Pharr
Jesus A. Kawas Elementary School Laredo
Jimmy Carter Early College High School La Joya
Mercedes Early College Academy Mercedes
Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Houston
Mission Early College High School El Paso
Mumford Elementary School Mumford
Nettie Marshall Academy Of Dual Language Nacogdoches
Northwest Early College High School El Paso
Saint John Paul II Catholic School Houston
Valley View Elementary School Pharr
Valley View South Elementary School Pharr
Walcott Elementary School Hereford
